KUCHING: Victims of molest — men and women — have been advised not to be afraid to speak out and report to the authorities.
Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS) senior member and trainer Gill Raja said it is also important that complaints of sexual abuse, including molestation, must be thoroughly investigated.
“The process of law must be applied without fear or favour in specific cases,” she told New Sarawak Tribune.
She was prompted for comments on the recent suspected molest case by a male doctor on a female patient at a local medical centre here.
Gill urged those who have been molested to immediately tell someone that they trust and report the incident.
“Perpetrators come from all walks of life, and the risk is higher when a potential abuser has more power over a person and thinks he won’t be caught,” she said.
She stressed that to lower this risk, agencies also need to have clear, publicised systems for victims to report abuse and have prevention strategies in place.
“Usually in settings where there is high vulnerability, for instance, when having medical examinations, one of the prevention strategies would be to ensure the presence of a third person such as a nurse or in the case of a child, the parent must be there,” she said.
Meanwhile, for women who are in need of listening ears, and face-to-face counselling, they can contact SWWS at 016-5822660.
